Over 50 businesses in West Northamptonshire have come together to increase opportunities for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in the workplace.Held by West Northamptonshire SEND Partnership, the ‘Business Brunch’ brings together local employers to start the conversation around employment opportunities for young people with SEND and how together, improvement can be made on current employment figures in West Northants:86% of people with Special Needs would like to work 22% National percentage for adults with Autism in employment 4.7% National percentage for adults with learning disabilities in employment 1.4% West Northamptonshire figures for adults with learning...

19 January, 2024

With just over a week before the consultation on the draft budget proposals for North Northamptonshire Council closes – we are encouraging people to have their say.Draft plans for 2024/2025 were approved for consultation by the Executive at a meeting on December 21 - and the council is now seeking views on the proposals.You can take part in the consultation in a number of ways including:Completing the online survey. Writing to: Budget Consultation Response, North Northamptonshire Council, Sheerness House, Meadow Road, Kettering, NN16 8TLYou can view the Your Voice Matters web page for more ways on how to have...

17 January, 2024

In a concerted effort to bolster rural economies, the Rural Business Grant Scheme stands as a beacon of support for businesses seeking resilience and growth. This initiative provides capital grants ranging from £5,000 to £50,000, offering a vital financial boost to enterprises in rural areas. The grants are strategically designed to facilitate investment in equipment or the construction of extensions and alterations, empowering businesses to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.Under round 3 of this scheme, there is a specific focus on rural diversification. This includes encouraging business diversification and supporting projects linked to the visitor economy. This forward-thinking approach recognizes...

16 January, 2024

A prominent legal firm is seeking teams to take part in the Franklins £50 Challenge 2024.Eight charities from across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire have been selected to benefit from the Apprentice-style fundraising challenge, organised by Franklins Solicitors LLP.Franklins has launched a social media video to encourage teams to join, featuring representatives from each of the eight charities taking part. Taking inspiration from the opening credits of The Apprentice, the video demonstrates how the initial £50 seed funding from Franklins can grow into substantial funds for each charity. Each team taking part receives £50 and has three months to turn the seed...

16 January, 2024

A renowned Northamptonshire recruitment consultancy has taken on a new recruitment resourcer to focus on the company’s business development.Wills Consultants has welcomed Sally Langley to the Kettering-based fold. Former IT service desk and desktop manager Sally has returned to the world of work after a sabbatical to look after her three children. Before the childcare break, she worked for the St Andrews Group of hospitals and for household brands such as Superdrug, Iceland, and Guinness.The first female to take an A-Level in Computer Science at her secondary school, Sally has always embraced a challenge, and has already fitted in well...

16 January, 2024

The CEO of a recruitment company specialising in IT and digital has moved his team into Northampton’s Vulcan Works after praising the workspace for its impressive innovation and culture.Darren Sharp, founder of S-SA Digital, moved into Vulcan Works at the beginning of January, saying there’s “no better place you can be” for businesses in his industry.S-SA Digital has been established for almost 17 years and is renowned for its talent acquisition prowess. It boasts some big household names as clients as well as having smaller start-up businesses on its books.Darren became aware of Vulcan Works through his work with Digital...

16 January, 2024

Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to share their views on the draft Brackley, Daventry, and Towcester Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).These plans, open for public consultation from today, Monday, 15 January to Sunday, 25 February aim to create a culture of walking and cycling by proposing infrastructure developments that make active travel a natural choice for residents and visitors.The initiative aligns with the government's ambition to promote cycling and walking for shorter journeys, reducing traffic congestion, enhancing air quality, and contributing to the overall well-being of the community.Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for environment, transport, highways...

16 January, 2024

‘We are here to help you keep your home, don’t leave it too late’ – this is the message from Northamptonshire charity Community Law Service.The charity, which provides specialist housing, benefits, debt and immigration advice as well as court representation, is the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) provider, a government funded scheme which provides free legal advice and representation to people facing the loss of their home.Since the scheme’s launch last August Community Law Service has helped more than 460 people.  Just over 400 of these have now been concluded with a staggering 345 people keeping their homes –...

16 January, 2024

Businesses and residents are invited to give their views on plans to introduce a new Environmental Policy for Northampton Town Centre.West Northamptonshire Council is asking people for their thoughts on the introduction of a new policy which will seek to improve commercial waste and environmental issues in the central Northampton area.The consultation period has been extended and will now close on Sunday, 18 February. The policy will initially be trialled in Northampton before being considered for roll-out across the wider West Northamptonshire area.People are being asked to help shape parts of the policy around waste from businesses in the town...

15 January, 2024

A survey has been launched on potential locations for rapid on-street charging points in 6 towns across North Northamptonshire.7 sites are being considered in Burton Latimer, Corby, Kettering, Raunds, Thrapston and Wellingborough. The potential sites would have rapid chargers, meaning users could charge their electric vehicle to 80% in 20-40 minutes depending on the model's battery capacity and starting state of charge.Properties near the proposed sites will receive a letter in the coming days with more detail and how to complete the survey. The letter will be from Believ, who are running the project working with North Northamptonshire Council and the project...

12 January, 2024

The county’s leading independent grant-making charity has started the year with news of new funds, new challenges, over £1.8 million already awarded to groups across Northamptonshire since April 2023, and being on target to award at least £2.5 million by April this year in grants to small, local charities, volunteer-led organisations and community groups.Rachel McGrath, CEO of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “Our exciting 2024 plans starts this month with the launch of our new Corporate Giving Network, which will enable local businesses to collaborate in supporting vital projects across the county.“We will also be launching new funding programmes this year;...

12 January, 2024